Mexico weekly ledger., 1887-06-23
Lincoln In 1854,

But now n new actor came forward
on the political stage in central Illinois;
on rather, an old favorite reappeared.
This was Abraham Lincoln. Since his
return to Springfield from his single
terna af service in Congress. 1aa7 to
l849, though by no means entirely
withdrawn from politics, his active
work had been greatly diminished
His sicongressional life had largely in
creased the horizon of his observation.
Perhaps it had also extended the bounds
of his ambition. He had doubtless dis
covered many of his own defects, and
not unlikely had diligently sought to
remedy them. The period following
had for him been years of work. study
and reflection. His profession of law
had become a deeper science and a
higher responsibility. His practice,
receiving his undivided attention,
brought him more important and more
remuneratiye cases. Losing nothing
of his genial humor, his character took
on the dignity of graver manhood.
He was still the center and the idol OF
every social group he encountered,
whether on the street or in the parlor.
Serene and buoyant of temper, cordial
and winning of language, charitable
and tolerant of opinion, his very pres
ence diffused glow of confidence and
kindness. Wherever he went he left
an overwhelming ripple of smiles, iests
and laughter. His radiant good-fellow.
ship was beloved and sought alike by
political opponents and partisan friends.
His stIrtly and delicate integrity, re-
cognized far and wide, had long since
won him the blunt but hearty sohriquei
of Honest Old Abe. But it became
noticeable that of late years he was
less among the crowd and more in the
solitude of his office or his study, and
that he seemed eyer i'm haste to leave
the eager circle he was entertaining.
1t was in the midsummer of 1854 tina,
we find him reappearing on the stump
IN central Illinois. The rural popula-
ton always welcomed his oratory, made
up of ready wit, apt illustration, sim.
pie statement, forcible logic. His die
ton was familiar to the ear, his stories
were racy to the soil. He never lacked
| for Invitations to address the public.
His first speeches on the new and all.
absorbing topic We're made in the
neighboring towns, and in the counties
adjoining his own. Toward the end oi
August the candidates for congress in
that district were, in western phrase
ion the track. Yates, afterwards one
of the famous ..war governors sough,
a re-election as whig. Harris, as Q
Douglas-democrat, strove to supplani
him. Local politics became active
and Lincoln was sent for in all direc.
tions to address the people. When hi
went, however, he distinctly announcee
that he did not purpose to take up hi,
time with this personal and eongres
sional controversy. His intention wa.
to discuss the principles of the Nebrasks
bill.
Once launched upon this theme mer
were surprised TO lind him imbued witt
new and unwonted seriousness. The,
heard from his lips fewer anecdotes and
more history. Careless listeners who
came TO laugh at his jokes sat spell.
bound by the strong current of hi,
reasoning and the flashes Of his earnest
eioquenee, and were lifted up by the
range and tenor Of his argument into 9
fresher and purer political atmosphere
-Nfcosay aud Hay, ~ the Century.